Options K-8
The Options K-8 Program at David Wolfle Elementary is a multi-age learning community that cultivates curiosity, creativity, and independence in students from kindergarten through 8th grade. By fostering long-lasting relationships with peers, teachers, and the community, the program creates an environment where students thrive academically and socially.
In this unique setting, students engage with content, concepts, and standards that align with their intellectual needs and interests, regardless of their chronological age. Student voice and choice are central to the program, with instructional approaches tailored to their passions, ambitions, and curiosity. Learning experiences are deeply connected to the local community, allowing students to participate in service projects related to regional geography, sociology, ecology, politics, and more.
The Options K-8 Program also emphasizes fostering a strong support system of peers, educators, and families while guiding students to develop critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and self-reflection skills.
Program Details:
- Who Can Apply: Incoming K-8th graders. Kindergarten admission is through an open lottery; with space as available for other grades.
- Location: David Wolfle Elementary
- Structure: Full-day program. Families play an active role by volunteering in classrooms, attending parent group meetings, and participating in activities like outdoor education, fundraising, and parent-led classes.
- How to Apply: Applications open each February. Applicants are divided by grade level, and then by sibling status. Sibling applications will fill up to half of all available spots, preceding new family appications for each grade level.
The Options Program is more than an educational pathway—it’s a nine-year journey that equips students with the skills, relationships, and confidence needed to become lifelong learners and active community contributors.
Options K-8 Open House
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: David Wolfle Elementary
27089 Highland Road NE, Kingston
Signature Programs Application
The application process for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Important Dates:
- Friday, January 27, 2025 - Intent to Return to Program deadline
- Monday, March 3, 2025 at 4:00pm - Application Deadline
- Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 4:00pm - Lottery for programs
- Monday, March 17, 2025 - Individuals notified of placement
- Friday, March 28, 2025 - Acceptance deadline
Signature Programs – Application Process
Applications Open
Signature Program Application (English)
Signature Program Application (Spanish)
Mission Statement
To provide North Kitsap students with community-based education that fosters the development of self directed, life-long learners through significant family involvement, interdependent multi-age learning groups, and curricula that are responsive to the needs and interests of our students.
Ideally, the Options experience begins in Kindergarten, before children have grown to expect that motivation and rewards are extrinsically generated. Options extends through the critical middle school years, a sometimes tumultuous period in which many young people feel ungrounded, misunderstood, and overwhelmed by peer pressure and the changes they experience in the transition from childhood to young adulthood.
During the nine years from K through 8th grade, our focus is to:
- Provide a solid support system for our students by developing a strong community of peers, teachers, parents, and extended families.
- Guide students in developing the skills and attitudes required for successful, life-long, independent learning using a wide variety of academic, artistic and social settings.
- Create curricula and an environment that fosters curiosity, inquiry learning, critical thinking, problem solving, risk taking, reflection and evaluation.
- Emphasize the intrinsic rewards and values of learning.
Options FAQ
- Is Options affiliated with Wolfle Elementary? How does it differ from a regular program?
- What does "multiage" mean? How does it differ from a "split grade" classroom?
- Does the curriculum vary? Do Options students undergo standardized testing?
- What are the long-term results for Options students?
- How does this program manage to offer additional field trips and activities that regular public school classes cannot?
- How can parents get involved? What if I/we have work commitments during school hours and cannot volunteer in the classroom?
- What is the purpose of the parent group? Can anyone join? Is it mandatory?
- If my child isn't accepted, do I need to apply again the following year? How long will they remain on the waiting list?
- Do siblings receive priority over other applicants?